Ios Island, Greece, Europe
It’s no secret that Ios island in Greece is home to wild day parties and crazy nightlife. But there’s one night during high season when travellers decide to stay in and rest, and bar owners close up early: the eve of Swedish Midsummer.
Now in its 23rd year, the Swedish Midsummer party attracts travellers from not only Sweden, but all corners of the globe. It’s known as ‘the biggest’ day on the island, and rightly so – the day starts in the village at 10am, and is followed by an afternoon march down to Mylopotas beach. The party continues into the night at Far Out Beach Club, and if you’re still standing after all that, the bars in the village reopen at eleven-thirty.
On the morning of Swedish Midsummer in 2014, my roommate and I were perched outside a kebab shop, eating gyros to line our stomachs for the day ahead. At 9.30am, the sun was already beating down, hot and dry. Party-goers donning yellow and blue, were flocking to the streets, swigging from bottles, and singing and dancing. After washing our breakfast down with some Bacardi, we made our way into the village, through the maze-like lanes towards the pumping music and chanting crowd.
Photo: Lewis Williamson
We stepped into a loud blur of yellow and blue. Girls were propped up, and swaying on guys’ shoulders, and people were hanging out of windows, cheering at the crowd. Swedish music was thumping, and everyone sang along. The streets and bars were packed; drinks were chugged, and shots were passed about freely. Everyone was ecstatic, and it was impossible not to feel the incredible vibe pulsating through the crowd.
Photo: Lewis Williamson
I lost my friends on the walk down to Far Out Beach Club. Not that it was a problem – I carried on wandering and drinking with some Irish travellers, who could not get enough of the island. Around us, the crowd walked, danced and flew flags all the way down to the beach. Some people even had horns and trumpets. Ahead, three flares we visible above the snaking crowd, guiding them.
By the time I reached Far Out, the party had doubled in size. Music was pumping, and a mob of people were pulsing on the dancefloor, in the afternoon heat. People were diving and flipping into the pools, and couples were pressed up against one another. I weaved my way through the mass of dancing bodies, and pushed up on a crowd-surfer as he passed above me. I found my friends at the bar.
Photo: Far Out Beach Club
We spent the afternoon double-parked and dancing amongst the crowd. Every now and then we’d run down to the beach for a swim to cool off, before heading back into the party. I couldn’t count the number of shots or daiquiris I downed, nor the amount of new friends I made. Even though I can’t remember going to work later that night, one thing is for sure: Swedish Midsummer is hands down the best party I’ve ever been to.
Photo: Lewis Williamson
This year, Swedish Midsummer falls on the 23rd of June.
Elle Conway studies Journalism in Canberra, Australia. Prior to university, she spent four gap years travelling, working and living abroad. She loves spiced rum, and dreams of one day travelling to Antarctica.
featured image by Lewis Williamson
